Siberian Husky

History of the Siberian Husky breed

Siberian Husky is a dog that has been living next to a person for many centuries. It was bred by the indigenous inhabitants of the Russian Far North. The Chukchi were in dire need of a dog that could travel long distances and transport people and goods from seasonal hunting sites to camps. Harsh climatic conditions had a decisive influence on both the formation of the structure of the animal and its character.

The spread of the breed beyond its centuries-old habitat has actively begun since the XX century. The endurance of the husky, the ability to work harmoniously in a team for a long time and good speed were appreciated on the American continent. Alaskan kayurs began to acquire these dogs more and more often to participate in dog sledding races. The greatest fame was won by Leonard Seppala's team led by the legendary Togo, which did not give the palm for several years in a row. But this kayur and his dogs entered the history of mankind primarily because it was his Father, leading a team, who overcame a huge section of the path of the famous dog relay race in 1925, delivering anti-diphtheria serum to Nome. A small town in Alaska, cut off from the world by many miles of snowy desert, was captured by an epidemic of a deadly disease. It was not possible to get to it by the usual means quickly and safely: adverse weather and natural conditions were not suitable for air or ground transportation. And then people turned to the faithful huskies for help. The team relay race went more than a thousand kilometers in a record five days, and the city's population was saved. The best dogs under the leadership of That overcame 146 km of the way – the maximum length of the distance. Eighty kilometers of dogs walked on the ice of Norton Bay in forty-degree frost in a blizzard. Such a feat became possible only thanks to the flair, courage and endurance of the pack leader.

The last team in this relay was Gunnar Kaasen's dogs led by Balto, who got all the glory. In memory of these events, grateful people have erected a monument to this dog in New York. Statues of Togo and Balto greet guests at the entrance to ClevelandMetroparksZoo, and visiting the museum of the small Alaskan town of Wasilla, you can see the embalmed body of Togo. In memory of that incredible relay race, an annual multi-day dog sled race is held in Alaska.

Further development of the breed took place on the American continent, since in the 30s on the territory of the USSR, the selection of sled dogs was recognized as unpromising.

In the USA, for a long time, special attention was paid to the sports component. The crossing of Siberian huskies with native sled dogs of Alaska led to the appearance of mestizo breeds, which became much more successful than huskies in racing competitions, although they did not receive recognition from international organizations – mestizos turned out to be very diverse.

A new trend in the history of the breed – exhibition – began from the moment when E. Seely and L. Demidoff first presented to the judges a bright black-and-white dog with blue eyes. It was from the 70s of the last century that huskies increasingly appeared as a domestic companion dog, quite suitable even for keeping in an apartment.

The return of the breed to its historical homeland, Russia, took place in the 90s. The first dogs were imported from Belgium and the Czech Republic in 1995, and five years later the number of purebred puppies reached one and a half hundred.

Video: Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky breed standard

Today huskies are divided into three groups – riding, sports (racing) and exhibition.

The official breed standard gives a description of the sled dog. To a greater extent, huskies of British breeding fall under these criteria.

Dimensions

Siberian Husky is a medium–sized animal. The height of the male at the withers is from 54 to 60 cm, the female is from 51 to 56 cm. The weight of the dogs is 21-28 kg and 16-23 kg, respectively. Exceeding the height is the basis for disqualification. The weight of the husky is proportional to height, the length of the body when viewed from the side is slightly more than the height at the withers (elongation index 110-120).

Head

The skull is small, rounded at the back of the head and evenly tapering to the eyes. The back of the nose is smooth, the stop is pronounced. The muzzle is of medium length, with almost the same distance from the nose to the foot and from it to the back of the head. It tapers evenly to the nose, which should be neither sharp nor square.

Husky is characterized by a lively and interested, even with a certain amount of mischief, expression of the muzzle.

Disadvantages include:

• sharply outlined, as well as a massive head;
• the presence of a fuzzy transition from the muzzle to the forehead;
• black nose for gray, red and black huskies, as well as brown for brown dogs;
• the muzzle is too narrow or too wide.

Eyes

Slightly obliquely placed at an average distance from each other, almond-shaped. The color of the iris is brown or blue, mosaic-colored or heterochromic variants are allowed.

Disadvantages – close and too obliquely placed eyes.

Ears

The ears of the husky are located high on the head at a short distance from each other. They stand firmly, slightly rounded tips pointing straight up. The ears are medium-sized and triangular in shape.

Disadvantages – the ears are too large (relative to the size of the head), the tips are not directed upwards, but to the sides.

Teeth

A scissor bite is required, any deviation is a disadvantage.

Neck

Medium length, raised by a standing animal. When moving, it bends so that the husky's head is slightly ahead.

Disadvantages – too thick, as well as excessively long or short neck.

Housing

The chest is strong and deep (the husky has a large enough heart), the ribs are widely spaced. The back is strong, with an even line from the shoulder blades to the croup. The lumbar region is elastic and well-matched.

Disadvantages – too wide chest with barrel-shaped ribs, sagging back, sloping topline from the shoulder blades to the croup.

Tail

In a calm state, the husky's tail is slightly lowered down and is slightly below the back line. When the dog is interested or excited, it bends upwards in a sickle shape, but curls into a ring, does not roll onto its back and does not curl to the side. The coat has approximately the same length, so the husky tail resembles a round fox so much.

Disadvantages – too low or, conversely, too high delivery, tightly twisted tail.

Limbs

The front ones are straight and parallel, located at a moderate distance from each other. The elbows are pressed against the body, without turning either in or out. The bone is not heavy, but strong.

Rear – parallel, moderately spaced. The knee joints are movable, hock, have pronounced angles and are located close to the ground.

Rudimentary fingers on both forelimbs and hind limbs should be removed.

Disadvantages – cow's posterior limbs, elbows turned outwards, heavy large bone.

Paws

Husky paws are medium-sized, oval, but not elongated. Well pubescent between the fingertips. The pads are thick-skinned. The paws of a dog in a calm state do not turn out to the sides.

Disadvantages – clumsy or, conversely, too small paws, flat fingers.

Wool

The hair of the husky is of medium length, which, creating the effect of good pubescence, does not interfere with the lines of the body. The undercoat is soft and thick. The integumentary hairs are straight and smooth, but by no means coarse and erect.

Disadvantages – shaggy stiff coat.

Color – from pure white to black. On the head there are white markings in the form of a mask, characteristic only for huskies.

Photos of adult huskies

The character of the Siberian Husky

Friendliness, liveliness of mind and calm disposition – these are the main properties of the Siberian husky. But speaking of these wonderful dogs, I would not like to limit myself to such a short list.

The ancestors of modern animals, who have faithfully served man for many centuries in the harsh conditions of the Far North, have passed on to their descendants all the variety of distinctive character traits and behavior that attract connoisseurs of this breed so much today.

Huskies, like real sled dogs, are very active and need good constant physical activity.

Representatives of this breed are not suitable for hunting lovers, despite the presence of a fairly strong instinct. For the Siberian husky, such fishing is one of the ways of subsistence, and she will not share the prey (the dogs were fed only in winter, the rest of the time the team was on foot food).

These northern dogs are pack animals, which has led to almost complete leveling of the instinct to protect their own territory, so such pets are completely unsuitable for the role of a watchman. The lack of aggression towards a person, even to a stranger, also does not allow these dogs to be classified as security dogs. Attempts to embitter the dog can only lead to persistent violations of the animal's psyche. Nature has endowed these amazing dogs with well-developed intelligence and the ability to make independent and often extraordinary decisions. Hence the difficulties that arise during training, when, with certain commands, a template algorithm of actions is required from the husky. The use of representatives of the breed as service animals is not practiced.

Siberian Husky is a companion dog. She is perfect for a large family, she will tenderly and reverently love all the household members, although she recognizes only one as the leader and owner. The attitude of these animals to children deserves special attention. It is difficult to find a more gentle, attentive and affectionate friend for a child. Suffice it to recall that the Eskimos used huskies even to heat newly born babies.

One of the unusual character traits for dogs is the tendency of animals to escape. A door latch or a hook will not become an obstacle – it is a matter of several days to understand the principle of their operation for a pet. Digging a hole under the fence, and if necessary, overcoming a high barrier is also not a problem. No one claims that your dog will systematically engage in such tricks, but you should not forget about this feature of the husky.

Education and training

In matters of education and training of the Siberian husky, it is important to take into account that these dogs are by nature workers, but not service dogs. Experts consider representatives of the breed to be well and easily trained animals. But they will obey only a recognized leader and owner – you must become an indisputable authority for the pet.

The upbringing of a puppy should be based on two main principles – rigor and justice. The carrot and stick policy is unacceptable. An excessively soft attitude will spoil the baby and he will "sit on your head", cruelty will embitter the animal, which, on occasion, will definitely take revenge on you.

You can start training and training a dog from the age of three months. The Siberian Husky is very smart, and if you fail to interest him, it will be difficult to achieve the result. And not because the animal doesn't understand you – no, it's just not interested. The greatest effect is given by the process of training, clothed in a game form. These dogs are very sensitive to the manner of giving commands, so the correct intonation is very important. You must speak calmly, confidently and clearly. Although at the same time, many owners of dogs of this breed note that huskies respond better to a request than to an order. In any case, each owner is looking for his own way to the heart and mind of his pet.

Raising any dog is impossible without a system of rewards and punishments. There are several misdemeanors of huskies that should be stopped immediately:

• aggressive behavior towards the owner;
• unreasonable hostility to other dogs;
• actions that can harm the animal itself.

The best method of punishment for the Siberian husky is to demonstrate its strength and advantage. To do this, simply take the animal by the withers, press it to the floor and hold it there until the dog stops resisting and quiets down. Beating as a method of education is unacceptable.

It's easier with rewards. Always praise the dog for every right action. If you work with a puppy, praise can be reinforced with a piece of goodies. The intonation should be different from the tone in which you give commands, but do not show excessive emotions – huskies can not stand high-pitched screeching intonations.

How to start training a puppy

1. Recognizing your own nickname. The methods are quite simple. Call his name when you call a pet to a bowl of food, after waking up the baby, gently stroke him, pronouncing the nickname. The results will not be long in coming.

2. Husky as a pack dog needs a leader, so from the first hours of staying in your house, let her know who is in charge here. And be careful – even when communicating with your family members, you should behave like an indisputable authority, and the puppy should see this. The husky is very smart and will immediately feel if you give a "slack" in relations with other members of the pack, and the dog perceives all the household that way.

3. The execution of the simplest commands: "Nearby!" and "To me!" is achieved by the traditional method – with the help of delicious treats and praise.

Many owners are concerned about the question of how to act in cases when a puppy reacts violently to the arrival of strangers in the house: it behaves intrusively, gets underfoot, begs for food. The only answer is to ignore it. Not to stroke, not to admire (Husky is just waiting for this), but simply not to notice. The method works flawlessly. The dog, realizing that no one is interested in him, will very soon leave for the place.

Among the general recommendations for the upbringing and training of the Siberian husky, the following can be distinguished:

• do not forbid your pet to communicate with other dogs;
• do not take the dog in your arms, especially holding her belly forward;
• don't tire the husky by doing the same command many times in a row;
• respect your friend and treat him fairly.

Care and maintenance

When purchasing a husky puppy, you should remember that these Siberians simply cannot stay within a limited space for a long time. Any attempt to make a "sofa" dog out of your pet is doomed to failure in advance. Movement, active games, good physical activity, long walks – this is the element of these magnificent animals.

In order for the energy of the dog, especially living in an apartment, to be directed in the right direction, experts of the breed recommend loading the Siberian husky in full. Otherwise, the well-being of your home may be seriously affected. As one of the ways out, the option of keeping a dog in a cage can be considered. Accustomed to this state of affairs from an early age, the husky will react quite calmly to this. Another thing is that for a loving owner, the sight of a friend sitting behind bars will not cause positive emotions at all, so the best way out is still to see the "loading" of a pet in such a volume that he simply did not have the strength for home pranks.

The content in a country house also has its own characteristics. Remember that huskies are dogs from harsh lands, and staying on the street is not a burden to them. Many owners note that even in severe frosts, animals rest and sleep in the snow, and not in a booth – the spirit of the Arctic reminds of itself.

Be sure to equip your pet with a spacious aviary. Just don't use a chain link for this: in a matter of days, the Siberian husky will turn it into hanging rags. For fencing, take a wire with a thickness of at least half a millimeter. It is better to lay out the floor with natural stone, because these dogs are great specialists in digging and will not fail to demonstrate their talent in this matter. If you think that an aviary is superfluous, make sure that the fence of your site is a reliable barrier to the husky in his quest for research and long journeys.

The best thing is to find time to take much–needed dog walks.

What should I buy before bringing a pet into the house? First of all, it is a pair of bowls for water and food, special "chewing" toys, a mat on which your friend will rest. A little later, you will need to buy such items of equipment as a collar, leash and muzzle. A halter may also come in handy – even a child will be able to control the Siberian husky with its help.

What and how to feed huskies

Up to two months of age, the puppy is fed 6 times a day, up to 4 months - five, up to six months – four, then – three times a day. From ten months for the Siberian husky, it will be enough to eat twice, and an adult animal (older than one and a half years), depending on physical activity, eats once or twice a day.

Most experts agree that it is better to feed a four-legged friend with dry food and special canned food. It must necessarily be premium and super-premium products. Cheap feed has a high content of starch, which is not very useful for these northern dogs.

Until the animals reach the age of 10 months, a "puppy" type of food will be enough for normal development, for adult huskies, balanced feeds for breeds with high motor activity should be used.

Breeders recommend that even when using the highest quality feed mixtures, carefully monitor the condition of the dog in order to make timely adjustments to the menu if necessary.

It is somewhat more difficult to organize a full-fledged husky diet with natural products. Up to 60% of the diet should be meat (raw or slightly "scalded"). The best choice – beef, rabbit and turkey – is possible, it is better not to mess with chicken because of the high risk of allergic reactions, pork and lamb should be completely excluded. Eggs, or rather egg yolk in boiled and raw form, can be added to porridge a couple of times a week, vegetables are also useful, with the exception of potatoes. It is better to give dairy products only in their acidic versions. Do not forget to add a little vegetable oil and fish oil to the feed.

No matter how variously you feed the Siberian husky, you cannot do without vitamin preparations. A veterinarian will tell you about their proper use.

The hygiene of the pet is mainly reduced to the care of the coat, especially during molting, as well as to the control of the condition of the teeth. In order for them to be white and smooth, clean the stone and plaque in a timely manner. You can do this both at home and in the clinic.

But the huskies do not need to bathe. Their fur is capable of self-cleaning, and the "dog spirit" of this dog does not pull. Water procedures provoke the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which can lead to a violation of the fat balance of the skin and wool.

Proper care and maintenance is the key to your friend's well–being and longevity.

Health and diseases of the Siberian husky

As a true child of the high northern latitudes, the Siberian Husky is distinguished by good health. However, this does not mean that the owner should not monitor the condition of his pet. When purchasing a puppy, study the pedigree of his parents and check whether there were any diseases transmitted at the genetic level in his family. For dogs of this breed, most often it can be diabetes mellitus or thyroid problems, some eye diseases (glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, cataracts), hip dysplasia. Sometimes Siberian huskies suffer from epilepsy. It will not be possible to completely cure this disease, but competent care will reduce the number of seizures.

Timely and complete vaccination, careful monitoring of the dog's condition will help to avoid the occurrence of most health-related problems.

It is recommended to periodically inspect the ears, eyes and teeth of the animal, monitor the condition of its fur. Do not ignore the gait of your husky. Lameness can be a consequence of both muscle damage and incipient problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Control the dog's weight. Both obesity and exhaustion are equally harmful.

Timely deworming is very important for the Siberian husky, especially given the tendency of dogs of this breed to eat feces (any attempts should be severely suppressed).

Remembering your northern origin, try to choose the coolest and shady places during summer walks.

In case of any symptoms of malaise, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

With good care and proper maintenance, the life expectancy of a husky can be more than 15 years.

How to choose a puppy

The main rule is that you can buy a baby only in specialized nurseries or from well–known breeders. This will give you much more guarantees that the grown-up animal will fully meet the breed standards and have good health. Buying a husky puppy via the Internet or on the market is completely excluded. Even if you are really offered a purebred baby, how can you check in what conditions the dog was kept, what the puppy, as well as his parents, were fed? No one can guarantee you the correct and timely vaccination. And these are all the components of the future state of health of your pet.

Buying a husky puppy from a breeder or in a kennel has other advantages. Firstly, you get the opportunity to communicate directly with all the puppies of the litter, evaluate their character, temperament and intelligence. Secondly, to learn for yourself a lot of important information about the peculiarities of animal behavior, their diet, habits. An experienced and responsible breeder will definitely answer all your questions, ask why you chose the Siberian husky, give good advice on care and maintenance. Thirdly, a puppy from a kennel or from a recognized breeder must have all the necessary accompanying documents, from a pedigree to a veterinary book with data on vaccinations and deworming performed.

A Siberian husky puppy can be taken home at about two months of age. Try to meet with the baby as often as possible, walk and play with him. Many breeders recommend taking an older animal – the dog already has some skills and is more disciplined, and the new owner will have just a little less educational tasks for the first time.

It will also be useful to know that every husky raised in a nursery has its own brand. It is usually placed on the inside of the ear or on the dog's stomach.

Photos of Siberian husky puppies

How much does a Siberian husky cost

There are several factors affecting the cost of husky puppies. This is the presence of a pedigree, and the individual qualities of the baby (appearance, physical form, gender), and the status of parents. It is clear that the cubs of champion dogs - in the case of huskies, not only exhibitions, but also sports competitions – will cost much more than the babies of ordinary parents.

If you just want to have a friend at home and don't "bother" with an exhibition career, your choice is a pet–class puppy. It will cost $200-$250. Most likely, it will be sold without a pedigree, but will that stop you?

Breed-class dogs already cost from $300. They have all the necessary documents and are quite suitable for breeding work. There may be some minor deviations from the breed standard.

The most expensive are show class puppies. Such animals fully comply with official standards, have no flaws and are born husky champions. The price for a dog of this class can be more than $600. It will be very problematic to buy a baby without the advice and help of an experienced expert of the breed.

When planning to buy a Siberian husky, do not chase a low price. On the contrary, such a proposal should alert you. Most likely, there is an ordinary deception or dishonesty. A husky puppy, taking into account the costs of the breeder, which he bears by breeding this breed, simply cannot be cheap.